recolle | [Open] Changes

[Open] Changes

WHO: Kuramochi and You
WHERE: Around Recolle
WHEN: September 1 - onwards
WHAT: A lot has happened since Kuramochi came back from fighting monsters and right before school begins.
WARNINGS: some self doubt expressed through the thought bubbles, but nothing else

I. Gonna sleep for 10 years (September 1)

[After Kuramochi made sure that everyone he ran into, including his friends, made it home safely he walked back home in a daze once the adrenaline wore off. He looked down at his hands that once had brass knuckles with green aura capable of taking out monsters. He doesn't think he's going to get over that. He's pretty relieved when he gets home. He can eat, bathe (seriously that was something he really missed), and drop into bed, which is something he does after his bath. However, after being able to finally do all these things he can't stop thinking about what happened last month.

The monsters, breaking his hands, changing into a wolf, and that weird memory when he protected Mao. He knows he gave up making trouble when he moved here, but what if he kept going? How long did he keep going? Why did it come back right in the middle of trying to clean up the city? Then there's no explanation for what happened even if he can remember it. To make matters worst school is in a few days, he needs to get his head right to get ready for his senior year.

Oh...right...his senior year.

That means he has to start thinking about his future soon while trying to deal with everything that's happened...

Kuramochi would try to run it off, but he's too tired to get up. He shuts off his phone before turning on his side to get some sleep. Maybe this will make sense after getting some sleep.]

II. Trying to clear his head (September 2)]

[Kuramochi slept longer than he intended. He feels better that he got some sleep, it didn't stop his mind from racing though. He sat up, running a hand through his hair, and looked around his room. He still couldn't figure out why he punched that guy in his memory. The weird thing is he really enjoyed it. He had fun and now he doesn't know how to handle that. Kuramochi looked over to find a note from his mom about left overs in the fridge along with a few chores he should finish.

Oh right, life continued while he was out fighting monsters. Might as well knock these chores out the way then get started on making something, that should help him calm down.

His phone is still off, so if anyone wants him they'll have to come to his door.]

III. Time to get some air (September 3)]

[It's time to get out of the house! The memory still hasn't really left his mind, though he's trying to make peace with it. So there was a time where punched someone and he liked it, it doesn't mean he kept doing it right? Right, now he can try to focus on other things like returning this wooden sword to the dojo Ardyn mentioned to him before. It will be a good way for him to get some air too. Since he's going out he finally turns on his phone to see a couple of texts.

Well, that's nice, but he'll look at them later.

Kuramochi grabs the wooden sword on his way out. It doesn't take long for him to get to the Utsuki Dojo in Tisse. He walks up and looks around.]

Um? Hello? Is anyone here?

[He would leave it, but he didn't bring any paper with him to write a note. Well, he has some time he can wait. He's not aware of the thought bubble above his head that goes: 'Maybe I can come here to train and be better the next time something weird like that happens.'

He's not aware of the speech bubble around his head either.]

[IV. Still around town (September 4)]

[Kuramochi's daze has disappeared now that he's found his footing. However, now it's replaced with a bunch of different thoughts. It doesn't help that school is going to be tomorrow which means he'll have to start thinking about what he's going to do next after school. It's not like he hasn't thought about it, it's just now he can't really put it in the back of his mind. He does have an idea about what he wants to do, though that means looking at schools, trying to figure out how to pay, keeping up with people...

Kuramochi groaned as he paused his game to lay back and stare at the ceiling. He has got to get over this funk. He can't go back to school like this! He'll take one small walk then come back to try to get some video games in before he has to go back on his school schedule.

Kuramochi throws on his hoodie and goes outside with his hands in his pockets. Don't mind him if his thought bubble has a bunch of thoughts going by really fast. He just has a lot on his mind though one thoughts lingers: 'Am I going to be able to keep up?'

Despite his thoughts he's going to beat this funk!

He has to.]

[V. Wildcard (throughout September)]

[If anyone has any ideas on what to do let me know! You can PM his journal or hit me up at

sunnycrow

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[As Kuramochi is walking along, he may be too busy with his thoughts to notice someone approaching him from behind. After a moment though, there will be a soft tap on his shoulder and a quiet, concerned voice addressing him.]

Um, excuse me. Are you alright?

[ Mao has an inkling that Ritsu may not be the only person who finds themselves short on edible things after three weeks fighting monsters in a destroyed city, and while the city may have gotten repaired, the supermarkets are still pretty light on supplies. Luckily, his mom is a great shopper and she's more than willing to see him off a second time with a backpack full of food.

He's not entirely sure if Yoichi's even up for company but he hasn't been answering his phone so Mao's prepared for the worst when he knocks. (Not the worst worst. Yoichi better not be dead or Mao's going to kill him.) ]

[Imagine Ayano's surprise when, heading into the dojo, she looks behind herself and sees an acquaintance from school there. Mochi...? She hadn't seen him on retrospec, so maybe he's just coming here because he normally comes here? It's certainly her first time, and the wooden sword in his hand doesn't seem out of place. She blinks her eyes a few times in surprise, before sauntering back towards him.]

Hey! It's me, Ayano...from school? [And then glances up at his thought bubble...Maybe he is part of retrospec after all?]

[Similarly, Ryousuke isn't really dressed to travel very far from home. Other than a light jacket and some spare change, he takes nothing but himself as he descends the stairs just in time to catch the neighbour outside their apartment block.

That's nothing out of the ordinary. The thought bubbles are a new addition though.]

Youichi, are you headed somewhere?

[He doesn't pause, rather just strides ahead to catch up.]

[Kuramochi looks over at the young woman as he tries to give her a reassuring smile.]

Yeah I'm fine, just a little tired that's all.

[He hasn't noticed the thought bubble above him going 'I really need to get over this mood and fast. I'm making people worry about me.']

Sorry, do I need to move to the side?

[Kuramochi pulled out all the food they had to try to see what he could make from it. He forgot that the supermarkets were light on supplies. He could go out to the restaurant and eat, his boss was pretty cool about him eating there, but that means going over there...

He looks over when he hears the knock. Since there's no yelling behind it he knows it's not Eijun, though now it makes him wonder who is knocking on the door. He opens it to see Mao in front of him. Kuramochi gives his best smile even if it looks a little tired.]

Hey Mao, how are you?

[Kuramochi didn't expect visitors, but he's not going to turn any away either.]

Edited 2017-09-07 00:24 (UTC)

[Kuramochi looked over a little in surprise before it cleared. Oh! He hasn't seen her since school, it's been awhile. He stands up as he waves.]

Hey! Yeah I remember you, Ayano. How are you?

[His thought bubble going 'Cool, now I won't be here alone. Funny to run into her at a place like this.']

Do you come here often?

Ryou-san?

[Kuramochi looks over to see a familiar head of pink hair. He hasn't seen Ryousuke in awhile, though that wasn't too unusual. He knew Ryousuke would be busy with college. It's not like Kuramochi has a lot of time to think about it with school and making sure Eijun stays alive.

Still, it's nice to see him.]

Oh, I don't have a place in mind. I was just going to walk around for a bit. How about you?

[The thought bubble going 'Now I really have to get out of this fun. I don't want Ryou-san to see this.']

[ Tired is OK. Mao expected tired. He gives Yoichi his best encouraging smile and shifts the weight of his backpack on his shoulder a little. ]

You weren't answering your phone so after everything that happened, I was worried about you. You want some company? I brought food.

[ Food greases so many wheels and while Mao is not a great cook, he is a great wheel greaser. After how well things went with Ritsu, he's pretty sure food will get him into Yoichi's place too, even if only long enough to drop it off and check on him. ]

[His phone? Oh yeah, he forgot he turned it off before he fell asleep that night. Mao was trying to call him? Well, that was nice. Kuramochi nods as he steps aside to let Mao in.]

Some company sounds good right now. Thanks for the food. I forgot that we haven't gone shopping yet so I was trying to figure out what I could make with what we had.

[He was seriously going to make egg and rice cause he couldn't think of anything else.]

What kind of food did you bring? Oh, don't mind the mess, I should take out the garbage in a little bit.

[He says pointing to the trash bag that's sitting neatly by the door while everything else looks pretty neat except for the kitchen where he took out everything they had and the living room when he pulled out a few games to decide what to play later.]

[Ryousuke falls into step, decidedly disregarding the thought bubble. While he understands not wanting to show one's vulnerable side all too well (seriously) - it's Youichi this time, with thoughts that probably shouldn't be left to fester alone.]

I was just going to make a quick drinks run.

[Look this guy has too many canon scenes in front of a vending machine to not be suspicious.]

Care to join me? It'll be on me this time.

[ There'll be a couple of concerned texts there before a call but no voicemail. Who listens to voicemails anymore? Mao comes in when Yoichi makes room, slipping out of his sneakers once he's inside. ]

No worries. It's hard to shop right now anyway, I'd say give it a few more days for places to get restocked. This is mostly stuff we already had, though, so I hope it's OK.

[ He moves to a spare few inches of counter and props his bag on his hip, unzipping it and starting to fish. He glances around the apartment a little, too. It definitely looks like somewhere Yoichi's been just ducking in and out of for three straight weeks. ]

It's not fancy, I've got a couple cans of Spaghetti-o's, some apples, a box of Pop-Tarts and some yogurt. And seriously, it's no big deal. I can take it with me when I leave if you want.

[She smiles a bit wearily at both him and his thought bubble.]

I've...never been here before in my entire life! Somebody said I should come watch people train...for some reason...?

I don't know how to fight or do kendo or anything...I'm good, though!! Just getting used to like, some new, weird stuff...[ (Like boats falling out of the sky) ]

What about you? What've you been up to? [Glances down at the sword -- (Fighting...?) ]

No, it's nothing like that. I just... I know it's none of my business, but is everything really okay?

[She points upward with a finger, directing his attention to what appears to be a visible thought balloon over his head.]

[The only person he can think of is his mom, but that's probably something normal. Kuramochi looks over at the things Mao brought over, that's really such a nice gesture, and goes over to get a better look at things.]

It's fine. I can slice up the apples for now and save the rest for later. I should probably eat some Spaghetti-O's then we can have the eggs for later too. Maybe some Pop-Tarts too? I woke up a few minutes ago and I'm really hungry.

[Kuramochi gives his best grin as he slides his fingers through his hair.]

If you want to take it you can, but I don't mind if you leave it over here either.

[He's just happy to see actual food. Kuramochi goes over to the sink to wash his hands while he thinks about what they could talk about. He mentions the first thing that comes to mind.]

So, um, ready for school?

[Kuramochi is still not aware of the speech bubble over his head. He doesn't notice the next thoughts either: 'It's her first time here too.']

I haven't been here before either! I have passed by it when I made deliveries, but that's it. I came here to return a wooden sword I borrowed for a bit.

[His thought bubble goes: 'It would be nice to learn how to use it too.']

Me? Oh, I've just been trying to get ready for school. I'm gonna be a senior this year so I have a lot to do.

[His thought bubble reveals the big thing on his mind: 'I'm still trying to get back into a routine after all that stuff with the monster. Now there are boats falling out of the sky? I'm never going to get that vacation before school.']

How about you?

[Kuramochi looks up at where she's pointing. Wait, how long has that been there? Great, his thoughts are being broadcast for everyone to see! That's something he didn't expect. He goes to apologize when he thinks about it. He has been trying to deal with this on his own, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to talk about it.

It is nice of her to offer though.]

Um, no, a lot of things happened to me last month that's really has been messing with me. School is starting soon and I'm going to be a senior. I haven't even picked my major yet or decided what I want to do either.

[Kuramochi rubbed the back of his neck as he looks over at her.]

Sorry about dumping all this when I don't even know your name. My name is Youichi Kuramochi, it's nice to meet you.

[Kuramochi is one to try to work things out on his own. Not that he doesn't know he can ask for help, it's just whenever something like this comes around he can usually solve it or let it run it's course. Between the monsters, everything that happened in the bunker, and that strange memory it's hard for him to calm down.

He doesn't want to worry Ryou-san either. Maybe this walk will be what he needs to clear his head.]

Really? Well, sure! I could go for something to drink.

[Ryou-san and being in front of a vending machine is a very familiar image.]

So, um, how have things been with you?

[While his thought bubble goes: 'I could use some normal things right now.']

[She nods thoughtfully, cupping her chin. Really, she's studying his thoughtbubbles. It feels a bit like an invasion of privacy, but these are crazy times anyways. She files away the "monster" comment in her head for later, but can't keep the thought from entering her thought bubble (I hope he didn't get hurt...or anyone close to him.)]

Ah, that makes two of us! [She smiles bashfully, transitioning into a grin of shiny white teeth.]

I uh...Have to retake the year. Because. Reasons. [(YOOOOOUUUUU FAIIIIILLLLED AYANOOOOOO)]

I guess no one would believe I'm older than you, anyways. [She raises her arm, reaching to the top of his head to demonstrate their difference in height.]

[There's no immediate answer. Ryousuke's looking forward rather than meeting Youichi's eyes, his attention seemingly caught by the quiet neighbourhood street, what's directly ahead. A little thought bubble of his own appears:]

(Normal? After what's happened lately, I don't know what that is.)

I'll be switching majors starting this semester. Nothing too drastic, but I don't expect it to be easy.

[Which is the honest truth. Ryousuke may be better at hiding things than most, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have his own problems. Retrospec has brought a whole lot more to think about on top of the ongoing coursework.]

You'll be a senior now, right?

Have whatever you want now, dude. How long has it been since you had a real meal? Not that this is especially real but it's fresh, kinda, and hot, if you want to take the time to warm stuff up.

[ He wouldn't blame him for eating the Pop-Tarts or the Spaghetti-o's cold personally but some people are particular about that kind of thing. Mao looks around the kitchen a little when Yoichi says he just woke up. ]

I didn't wake you, did it? Do you want me to put coffee on or anything?

[ Too late, he's already decided he's taking the trash, but he's in no hurry to leave. It doesn't smell, no reason to rush it out, and they're bound to add to it. Mao shrugs when Yoichi asks about school. ]

Ready as ever. I don't mind going back like a lot of people.

[ He stops and leans on the counter, looking over at Yoichi. Mao doesn't want to push, but... ]

Did you want to talk about anything that happened?

[You know that's a good question. When is the last time he had a cooked meal that wasn't something he scarfed down before going back out to fight monsters. He really should at least heat it up. He can do that.]

I'll go heat it up. It's been awhile since I've used the stove.

[He does grab a Pop-Tart before he goes looking for a pot to warm up the Spaghetti-O's. He does feel better being able to bump around the kitchen again.]

Um, we can do that a little later. I forgot where I put everything.

[Kuramochi goes to tell Mao that he doesn't have to do that when Mao is gone. He can't even get mad. He gives him a smile that he hopes show how much he appreciates it before turning back to the food.]

Me neither.

[Even if it will be his last year. That's always so wild to think about. Kuramochi goes to grab something else when he listens to Mao's question. He turns the heat down on the Spaghetti-O's before looking over at him.]

I don't know. I want to talk about it, I just don't know where to begin. You want to hear about it?

[It's much healthier than keeping it inside, but he doesn't want to dump so much on Mao either.]

Edited 2017-09-13 02:45 (UTC)

[Kuramochi looks at her thought bubble, he responds to it before he thinks about it.]

No, I'm alright, everyone I know is alright too.

[His thought bubble going: Well, besides breaking my hands punching a wood monster. Good thing they were healed, they feel better too. That's probably a big thing now that he thinks about it. Well, he can think about that later. He smiles back at Ayano before reading her thought cloud.]

I can help you if you need it? I'm in the student council and we make a list of tutors every year for anyone that needs help. I didn't know you were older than me either.

[Kuramochi looks up when she compares their height. He never noticed it before, not that it bothers him too much.]

Oh, I'm supposed to return this, but I can't find a place to put it. Can you help me find one? Or should we wait for someone?

[Kuramochi places his hands back in his pockets as he falls in step with Ryousuke. He looks over to see a thought bubble above Ryou's head which makes him respond in his own: It is hard to know what's normal anymore.]

Really? What are you switching it to?

[Kuramochi has assumed that Ryousuke had his problems like every other person. He just didn't know how to approach him about it while he dealt with his own things. Then all that stuff with the monsters happened which really made him lose touch with a lot of things. It almost feels like that month went by in a blur if it wasn't for his thoughts recycling certain things back to him.]

Yep, next year I'll be going to university. I still don't know what I really want to do. I have an idea, but I'm not sure.

[A frown at the comment about his hands, she wants to go up to him and touch them and make sure they're okay but (That would be weird...)]

I'm seeing a tutor as of this week, actually! So we'll see how that goes...Thank you for looking out for me though, Mochi. [(He's so kind...)]

There should be somewhere inside...Let's look around together! [She jogs up to him, close enough to lightly take his wrist.]

Onward, to the sword receptacle!

[Oh yeah that might be weird, but his hands are alright now! They do feel better than before too. Well, he'll just be better about protecting his hands next time.

...He hopes there isn't a next time.]

Really? That's great! You're welcome! Keep me updated about it, okay? [Okay, he can't help his little smile at her comment. That was nice...

He can't think about it for long before she has his wrist and they're going up to the dojo.]

Yeah! There has to be a place where I can put this. Oh were you going to come here for something?

Sure thing, Mochi! [She skips along with him in tow under they're entering the front.]

I just wanted to watch people train...A guy named Dante said I should probably learn how to fight, and I tried to tell him I have zero motor skills, but he said I should at least come and watch, so...

[That has him sneak a sidelong glance towards Youichi, mostly obscured under the shadow of his lashes. He's a little curious what he'd choose.]

Oh? What's that?

['A P.E. teacher?', his thought bubble wonders.]

I can still use my math credits, but I'll be moving onto an aviation major. So regardless what you choose, Youichi, nothing is set in stone.

[Proof that even someone like Ryousuke, who always appears to move forwards with so much self assurance is capable of changing his mind. Decisions about the future aren't that clear cut.]

[ Cooked might be a stretch but hot food is still better than cold food. Mao leans on the counter when he comes back, just staying out of Yoichi's way for now. ]

Just let me know if I can help with anything else, OK? You worked your ass off, the least I can do is make you lunch.

[ He tilts his head and listens, shrugging a little. Mao doesn't want to make Yoichi uncomfortable, but he doesn't want him to just bottle everything up either. ]

It's up to you. You said you were gonna tell me after you punched out those chocobos but that really wasn't a great time. You don't have to if it was really bad, though. Your call, dude.

[Yumeko smiles back at him, kind and sympathetic. She even gives him a short little bow in greeting.]

I'm Yumeko Jabami, and I will actually be transferring to Recolle U myself this fall as a second year.

[She looks around for a moment. Spying a nearby park with some benches, Yumeko motions for him to follow her. She walks over to a nearby bench, takes a seat, and then pats the empty spot beside her. Still smiling at Kuramochi cheerfully.]

It's perfectly alright if you'd like to vent. I think it's something we all simply need to do from time to time. I certainly don't mind lending an ear, but if you'd feel more comfortable talking with someone closer, then I would certainly understand.

[Kuramochi nods before looking up at the thought bubble. 'A P.E. teacher wouldn't be a bad idea. I do coach from time to time, maybe it can work.']

Really? Aviation sounds like an interesting major. What will you be doing with it?

['Maybe I've been thinking about this all wrong. Even if I can't figure out what I want to do now that's okay.' It does help that even someone like Ryou can change his mind.]

I'm thinking about doing something with physical therapy or coaching. Maybe even cooking? I don't know if I would make it a career, but I'm interested in it.

[Kuramochi gives his best smile back.]

It's nice to meet you.

[He puts his hands in his pockets as he follows her. It's hard not to smile back as he takes a seat next to her. Okay, he does feel a little better that he doesn't have to keep this all to himself. If she's willing to listen then maybe he can talk about the other thing that's been on his mind for awhile.]

I feel like so much is happening so quickly. I didn't really have time to enough my summer vacation before all that stuff happened last month then it's my senior year so I have to get ready for that. Now that I'm graduating that means I have to go searching for something I should do. I guess I'm just a little nervous about the future.

[Kuramochi chuckles on their way towards the building.]

Really? A man named Ardyn told me to come here so I could return the sword. I've always passed by this place when I make deliveries sometimes, though I've never stepped inside. Learning how to fight is important!

['I should probably watch a few classes too. It will probably help in the future.']

Oh, he told me that they do sword lessons too. They do so many more things here I might check this out later.

[Yumeko listens quietly and attentively, waiting until Kuramochi's finished before she nods and gives him a sympathetic smile.]

I can understand that feeling. I felt it myself not too long ago, and I would even say that I still feel it a little bit to this day. I think most everyone feels that way to some degree, a fear of the future, the unknown, what's to come. Sometimes it can be far more pronounced and difficult to sort through in your mind. Maybe you could start with one item at a time? Start with whatever feels most in your ability to control. For example, you said you were graduating, so what interests you the most? It can be in academics or in your hobbies, but what do you feel gets you the most engaged?

[He breaks out into a grin.]

Fly, obviously.

[They arrive at the vending machine at some innocuous corner. It's one of Ryousuke's favourite pitstops - it's close to home, conveniently right there after he's come back from a run around the neighbourhood. He pats down his pockets for spare change.

Although the greater part of his mind dwells over Youichi's words, there's a small part that muses over the drink selection: 'Which one?']

Your cooking isn't bad. It's fine to charge recklessly forward with something you're good at until you figure it out.

[Kuramochi grins in response. Well, that would be one of the main reasons to go into aviation. It's something that would probably challenge him and keeps his attention.

He turns to the vending machines while he tries to figure out what he wants. 'Maybe I should get juice this time.'

Ryou's words does derail his thoughts on his vending machine choices. He has thought about doing something in cooking while he tries to figure out what else he wants to do. Maybe he should go with it and see how it turns out. It doesn't hurt to try, who knows? Maybe he'll find something that will stick. However there is one thought that pops up:'He thinks my cooking isn't bad? I am doing much better than I thought.'

He doesn't take Ryou's compliments lightly when they come around. He hums as he rubs the back of his neck.]

I think I'll try that. It's something familiar and it probably wouldn't hurt to see how far I can go with it.

[Coins go rattling down the vending machine chute. The thought bubbles certainly help with making an informed decision - instead of asking him directly, Ryousuke goes ahead and pushes one of the buttons for juice. Twice.

He retrieves their drinks. Rather than hand it over like a normal person, Ryousuke reaches up and knocks the bottle of juice against Youichi's head.

It's tomato juice.]

You're thinking too loud. [The condensation collecting on the outside of the bottle is cool in his hands.] I'm eating your food, aren't I?

[That's because you're banned from the kitchen, Ryousuke..........]

Thanks, I'll let you know if I do.

[Mao being dependable is something that he can count on that eases his worries. He watches the Spaghetti-O's cook for awhile as he gathers his thoughts. Well, it's not like he has to worry about what he tells Mao getting out. While it still boggles his mind over what happened, knowing that he can trust Mao helps. He turns the heat down low as he turns to Mao.]

Okay, so it started after I ran into the forest after all that trouble at the convention. I was trying to find people to make sure that they were alright when I found another group of people in front of this bunker in the forest. Next thing I know we're inside and we have to find these clues in order to save all the people that had disappeared when all that weirdness with the monsters started happening. We split up into groups to find these clues about the history of Recolle and the founders. It wasn't really easy. I ended up breaking my fingers during our first monster fight.

[Kuramochi flexes his hand the memory of the pain in his fingers unlike what he felt before still feels fresh in his mind.]

But we had someone there that could heal me, so they didn't stay broken for long.

[He checked the Spaghetti-O's again before cutting off the heat when they look to be finished. He's glad it doesn't take long for it to cook. He pours it in a bowl before holding the pot up to Mao.]

I'm gonna tell you some more, but did you want some before I did?

[Kuramochi hummed softly while he tried to think about his interests. Well, there's video games and baseball...oh there's also cooking. He does like it and it is something that he's good at.]

Um, I really like to cook? At first I started to give my mom a break, you know? Now I really like doing it. I didn't think about trying to pursue it, but that's the easiest thing that I can think of. It's something I've always been interested in. Do you think I should start with that?

[Well, that gets Kuramochi out of his head. He winces before chuckling softly.]

Ahh, sorry about that.

[He takes the can and pops it open while he thinks about the times he's made food for Ryou-san. It seems almost second nature now with the way he's a common person in his apartment like Eijun. Plus, there was also the time he tried to let Ryou-san cook...

He's not sure how both Ryou-san and Eijun can set a fire in the kitchen.]

Yeah you are. Hey, um, mind being a taste tester? I can cook what you like when I'm finished.

[He won't try anything too outrageous.

...Well, not with Ryou-san.]

[Ryousuke pops open his own juice and drinks, one eyebrow raised at that request.]

To make up for feeding us some new concoction of yours?

[It's promising to hear Youichi's thinking so seriously about it, and taking any necessary steps to get there. Clearly this wasn't some fanciful whim.]

If that's the case— one curry, please.

(Extra spicy.)

[ The quiet doesn't exactly get to Mao but he gets the feeling that he's lost Youichi to his own thoughts for the time being. Rather than just standing around watching him cook, Mao moves to the sink and starts running some hot water. The dishes won't do themselves and he's perfectly happy to help while Youichi cooks. It's oddly comforting and familiar, the act of just doing normal chores. He looks up from the sink when Youichi starts to talk again. ]

That sounds kind of like what happened with another friend of mine. It's like Retrospec recruited you all without your permission or without even thinking if you'd be good at what they need--

[ He stops midsentence and looks at Youichi's hand, almost starting to scold him for moving it when Youichi mentions the healer. Mao still looks thoroughly unimpressed with Retrospec for letting his friend get hurt, but he manages to hold in his fussing. ]

How'd you manage to break your hand? And I'm all right. You should eat as much as you want, OK? Get your strength back.

[Yumeko's expression brightens at that. A cheerful smile spreads across her lips and her eyes shimmer a little with excitement.]

Sure! If you like to cook, you should maybe consider going to culinary school. You might be really good at it! Ultimately, the choice of how you wish to live your life is up to you, but, if you ask me...

[Yumeko's eyes suddenly take on a far off look, and her smile turns a little more knowing in tone.]

life's too short not to pursue what interests you the most.

[Kuramochi looks over at her before staring out at the sky. She does have a point. It's something that he's always liked to do, if he gets more experience then the can make more things! If it doesn't work out he's sure he can find something else to fall back on. With a determined look in his eyes he happily nods.]

I'm gonna go for it! I already know a couple of things, but I've always wanted to know more. Besides, it would be boring if there wasn't a little risk involved right?

[He grins, feeling more at ease than he did for awhile.]

Thanks, I'm glad I didn't dump anything too heavy on you. The last month has been pretty crazy and my thoughts are all over the place.

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